Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare chronic inflammatory diseae of the connective tissue involving the skin and internal organs. To date there is no proven therapy for the skin fibrosis available. A number of case reports and small uncontrolled cohort studies suggest that UVA1 therapy may improve skin fibrosis. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate whether treatment UVA1 in deed is effective in treating skin fibrosis in SSc using a randomized, intraindividual half body irradiation protocol.

half body irradiation with random allocation right and left; after three months of treatment treatment of both sides

Other: UVA1

60 J/cm2 at least 36 tx

Other Name: Ultraviolet light

Experimental: A UVA1

Radiation: UVA1

intraindividual half body irradiation

Other Name: ultraviolet light

Other: UVA1

60 J/cm2 at least 36 tx

Other Name: Ultraviolet light

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 70 Years (Adult, Senior)

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

systemic sclerosis ACR criteria

skin fibrosis at least involving the distal third of the lower arm

Exclusion Criteria:

photosensitizing drugs

recent UV therapy

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00628797